Album Review: Fluisteraars – Bloem (Eisenwald)

After more than four long years, the enigmatic black metal act Fluisteraars return with their third full-length record, “Bloem”. Eisenwald has marked February 28th 2020 as the official release of this new chapter in the ever-expanding output of perhaps one of the most creative acts in the Dutch scene.

Not your conventional black metal release, Fluisteraars’ creative minds have melted together to produce something quite awe-inspiring. Something that has an ancient and mystic feel to it. While filled with all the blackened heaviness and old-school rawness one could hope for, the journey here is one of layers. Layers of melancholic passages, psychedelic effects and horror-fuelled noises.

Across 5 tracks and nearly 35 minutes, Fluisteraars evolve from a traditional black metal sound to something far grander. The difference between Tere Muur and Nasleep not immediately clear until the final moments of the latter track. Gloriously attractive music that never quite loses its meaner edge thanks to the feedback-heavy chords.

Having emerged from their black metal cocoon, Fluisteraars take the journey into even more more mystical places. Eeuwige Ram and Vlek, part wonderful beauty and part bone-scrapping brutality. It’s such a satisfying listen, one where time ceases to be, the sun begins to set and the shadows draw in. Maanruine is a burst of light that offers comfort on an ever darkening journey.

Fluisteraars – Bloem Full Track Listing:

1. Tere Muur
2. Nasleep
3. Eeuwige Ram
4. Vlek
5. Maanruine

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Eisenwald